Charleston Area Map - The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Charleston Neighborhoods

Laid out on a grid pattern, Charleston is an easy city to get one's bearings. The Southern end of the city is constricted by the Charleston Harbor while King Street runs the length of the city, through the most northern ends of the historic district.

Downtown

Visitors will probably spend most of their time in Charleston's downtown. Packed with most of the city's historic attractions, Charleston's past has been well-preserved with stunning architecture that's not to be missed. Downtown is split into two halves, separated by Broad Street, with a large number of hotels and restaurants scattered throughout the area.

South of Broad

South of Broad Street is more residential and generally quieter than the rest of the city. Located on the tip of a peninsula, the area consists of a large collection of historic mansions and churches. Be sure to spend some time visiting the Nathaniel Russell House and the Edmondston-Alston House. St. Michael's Episcopal Church, built in 1752 and still standing as the city's oldest church, is also in this area.

At the most southern edge is the Battery, a promenade that provides fantastic views of the rest of the city and the Charleston Harbor.

North of Broad

North of Broad Street is known as Charleston's Historic District, since it contains many of the attractions from the city's antebellum days. Many Charleston hotels and restaurants are situated in the North of Broad area, and some of the best shopping spots are located here as well, concentrated around King Street.

The area shelters the Aiken-Rhett House and the Joseph Manigault House, both of which are available to tour. North of Broad is also where you will find the city's collection of museums; from the Charleston Museum to the interactive Children's Museum of the Lowcountry to the Old Slave Mart Museum, housed in a building once used for slave auctions.

Mount Pleasant

Located east of downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant is an entirely different city. Although it does not have as many places of interest for tourists, it makes for a nice trip if you have the time. The Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, where parts of "The Notebook" were filmed, is located here. Across the street is the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, the former estate of Charles Pinckney, whose signature is on the U.S. Constitution.

Islands

The area's best beaches are less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston. Folly Beach, south of downtown, is home to a range of accommodations and wildlife, including Loggerhead turtles and bald eagles, as well as a fishing pier. A bit south of Folly Beach is Kiawah Island, whose main feature is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Northeast of downtown Charleston is the Isle of Palms, which is more residential and mainly filled with shopping spots and paths for walking and biking. You'll find Sullivan's Island a little less than 10 miles east of the downtown area. The town's beaches, local restaurants and shops and pre-Civil War-era fort beckon to travelers looking for a relaxing day away from Charleston's bustling downtown.

Safety

Downtown Charleston near the Historic District is generally safe and best known for its Southern hospitality. However, it's still a busy city and visitors should use common sense when exploring. Avoid walking alone at night (especially in the city's many alleways), and keep valuables close to you.

The best way to get around Charleston is on foot. That said, you'll probably enjoy the use of a car too. You can rent some wheels at Charleston International Airport (CHS) — or bring your own — and leave it parked in one of the garages that pepper the city. Having a car is especially helpful if you're staying in the city outskirts or if you plan on indulging in some beach time. City buses and trolleys are available too, as are taxis. From the airport, which is located about 12 miles northwest of the downtown area, you can take a cab or shuttle bus. Taxis from the airport to Charleston's downtown area cost about $29 to $34, depending on where your hotel is located. Shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes and cost $14 per person. The price is lower than a taxi ride, but the trip will be longer due to the multiple stops the bus makes.